Well Array Molecule Detection Preserving Structure Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting target molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, often fail to accurately associate the detected molecules with the structure they originate from, leading to loss and inaccurate detection due to extraction and distribution processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a well array with small-volume wells that allows structures to be introduced and sealed within, enabling the extraction and detection of both surface and internal target molecules while maintaining association with the structure, using a sealing solution to form independent reaction spaces and employing capture substances for precise molecule detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If target molecules are extracted and distributed from structures using conventional methods, then detection can be performed, but the association between detected molecules and their source structures is lost, leading to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detection process into separate stages: first detecting surface molecules while structures remain intact in wells, then extracting internal molecules. This segmentation preserves structural information during surface detection and enables subsequent internal detection without losing association data.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary detection of surface target molecules before extracting internal molecules. This preliminary action allows identification and characterization of surface molecules while the structure remains intact, preserving the association between molecules and their source structures.
2Measurement precision
If structures are introduced into small-volume wells and sealed, then both surface and internal target molecules can be detected while maintaining molecular association, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The well array system is designed to perform multiple functions: introducing structures, sealing wells, detecting surface molecules, extracting internal molecules, and detecting internal molecules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each detection stage, thereby managing complexity while achieving high detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the structure containing target molecules within the well array system. The structure is introduced into individual wells, sealed, and processed through multiple detection stages within the same well environment, creating a nested configuration that maintains molecular association throughout the process.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction and distribution methods are used, then target molecules can be detected, but loss of molecules occurs during the extraction and distribution process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention selectively extracts only the internal target molecules from the structure after surface molecules have been detected. This controlled extraction minimizes molecule loss by removing only the necessary internal molecules rather than performing complete extraction and redistribution as in conventional methods.
4Measurement precision
If a large number of micro-compartments are used for digital counting, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The well array divides the sample into numerous small wells, each containing a structure or empty space. This segmentation enables digital counting by allowing independent detection in each well, improving sensitivity while managing measurement complexity through standardized well configurations and automated detection processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a target molecule of a structure body, including contacting a dispersion liquid including a structure body with a well array including wells such that the structure body is introduced into the wells, bringing a sealing solution into contact with the well array such that the structure body is sealed in at least one of the wells, extracting a content of the structure body in the well, detecting a surface target molecule present on a surface of the structure body in the well, and detecting an internal target molecule present inside the structure body in the well.